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Leadership and the Art of Struggle boldly shatters myths to reveal the truth about how exceptional leaders grow through challenge and adversity. Tap proven strategies to reach your full potential as a leader.
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Paradox of the Positive
Over the past several decades, the positive psychology movement, dedicated to looking on the bright side of almost everything, has achieved such momentum that it now touches virtually every aspect of our lives. It has transformed the way we interact with each other, nudging us to put a positive spin on what we say and how we act. At work, we get kudos for having a positive outlook; otherwise we find ourselves banished from the coffee kitchen. At social gatherings, we find ourselves slithering away from anyone who sees the glass anywhere near half empty.
All-in-all, this has been for the better. Positive energy begets more positive energy. And, numerous psychological studies show that when we feel optimistic and confident, we approach life with more vigor, have more pleasant relationships with others, and are just plain happier.
But, all this comes at a price. Sometimes the ways we’ve internalized the lessons of positive psychology actually undermine the very intentions on which the movement was formed. Sometimes our attachment to the positive stands in the way with the honest conversations we need to have with ourselves and others.
Leadership is often a struggle, and yet there are strong taboos that keep us from talking openly and honestly about our struggles for fear of looking weak and lacking confidence. These social mores reinforce the notion that leaders are supposed to be perfect, and that struggle is inherently bad, something to be ashamed about.
Whe…